cargo
/KAR-go/
cargo
Visualizing cargo as commercial goods transported in bulk on a large container ship.
cargo(Noun)
cargo
?goods on a ship, plane, or truck
,shipment
?a load of goods sent somewhere
,freight
?goods transported in bulk
load
?something that is being carried
📝 In Action
El barco llegó al puerto con un cargo de plátanos.
A2The ship arrived at the port with a cargo of bananas.
El cargo aéreo es más rápido pero más caro.
B1Air freight is faster but more expensive.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'cargo' for any load
Mistake: "Puse el cargo de ropa en la lavadora."
Correction: Puse la carga de ropa en la lavadora. Use 'carga' for a general 'load' (like laundry or groceries). 'Cargo' is usually for commercial goods being transported.
⭐ Usage Tips
Think Commerce
When you see 'cargo', think of big-scale transport: ships crossing the ocean, planes flying goods, or large trucks on the highway. It has a commercial or industrial feel.
Visualizing cargo as a professional position or post of authority.
cargo(Noun)
position
?a job or role in a company
,post
?an official appointment
,office
?a position of authority, e.g., 'the office of president'
job
?employment
,responsibility
?a duty or task
📝 In Action
Ella aceptó el cargo de directora general.
B1She accepted the position of general director.
Es un cargo con mucha responsabilidad.
B1It's a position with a lot of responsibility.
Dimitió de su cargo político el mes pasado.
B2He resigned from his political office last month.
⭐ Usage Tips
More than just a 'job'
While 'cargo' can mean 'job', it often implies a role with specific duties and a certain level of authority or responsibility, more like 'position' or 'post' in English.
Visualizing cargo as a financial charge or additional cost.
cargo(Noun)
charge
?a financial cost or a legal accusation
,accusation
?a claim that someone has done something illegal
count
?a specific charge in a legal case
📝 In Action
El hotel aplicó un cargo adicional por el servicio de habitación.
B1The hotel applied an additional charge for room service.
El fiscal presentó tres cargos contra el acusado.
B2The prosecutor filed three charges against the defendant.
¿Quién está a cargo de este proyecto?
B1Who is in charge of this project?
💡 Grammar Points
The Useful Phrase 'a cargo de'
This phrase is a super common way to say who is responsible for something. It's followed by the person or group in charge. Example: 'La organización del evento está a cargo de María.' (María is in charge of organizing the event.)
Visualizing cargo as the verb form 'I load' or 'I carry' (Yo cargo).
cargo(Verb)
I load
?putting things into a vehicle or container
,I carry
?holding something and moving with it
I charge
?e.g., a battery or a phone
📝 In Action
Yo cargo las maletas en el coche.
A1I load the suitcases into the car.
Siempre cargo con mi mochila a todas partes.
A2I always carry my backpack with me everywhere.
Cargo mi teléfono todas las noches.
A2I charge my phone every night.
💡 Grammar Points
Spelling Change Alert!
Notice how 'cargar' changes spelling in some forms, like 'cargué' (I loaded) and 'cargue' (subjunctive). The 'g' changes to 'gu' before an 'e' to keep the hard 'g' sound. It's a common pattern for verbs ending in '-gar'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cargo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'cargo' to mean a professional position?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'cargo' and 'carga'?
They're very close! Think of 'carga' as the more general word for 'load'—it can be anything you carry, from groceries to a load of laundry. 'Cargo' is more specific and usually refers to commercial goods being transported, like on a ship or plane (freight/shipment). While 'cargo' can sometimes mean a general load, 'carga' is much more common for everyday situations.
How do I use 'a cargo de' vs. 'hacerse cargo de'?
Great question! 'Estar a cargo de...' describes a state: who is responsible right now. ('Juan está a cargo del proyecto' - Juan is in charge of the project). 'Hacerse cargo de...' describes an action: taking on the responsibility. ('Juan se hizo cargo del proyecto' - Juan took charge of the project).